Chapter 88: Women’s Virtue

Chapter 88: Wifely Virtue

Even brothers from the same mother can have divided loyalties, let alone those from different mothers?

When Yu Hu entered the Lin family, her mother-in-law gave her a hard time repeatedly. She endured it with patience and obedience.

Only Lin Ji could stand up for her a little.

That was the time when the couple understood each other best. Yiniang Hua had fallen out of favor, and Yiniang Hu had always been shrewd and kept a low profile.

But as children were born one after another, no matter what Lin Ji said, his wife looked at him with suspicion.

She did not trust Lin Ji.

With too many children, her own children’s share would inevitably be diminished.

This also marked the beginning of their growing apart.

The couple often quarreled, and he increasingly slept at the concubines' quarters. Watching Yu Hu suffer more and more, Lin Ji did not know what to do.

In the end, he simply took up an imperial posting and went to the frontier.

Did he not know how the concubines and other children would be treated after he left?

He knew.

But he couldn't handle it anymore. Chen Yuhu’s mental state was already in a very bad way.

If he didn't back off, he would lose his wife and the support of the Chen family.

He had feelings for the two concubines, but they were far from true love.

He loved his wife the most—for her ability to manage household affairs, her social skills, and the support the Chen family behind her could provide.

So he left, just like that. All the concubines and children combined could not outweigh the Chen family behind Chen Yuhu.

As Chen Yuhu helped Lin Ji into his armor, his thoughts had long drifted away.

If Chen Yuhu knew what Lin Ji was thinking, she might feel that her mother had indeed failed to teach her properly.

Too upright—this was the Chen family’s way of doing things.

But many things in this world are inherently contradictory.

One cannot expect her to be magnanimous and upright in public, only to become petty in domestic affairs.

Chen Yuhu also felt that some aspects of ancient customs were truly repulsive.

As long as there is affection between a couple, if something unexpected happens, only one party will inevitably suffer.

It's so unfair.

Chen Yuhu fastened the last buckle for Lin Ji and withdrew her hands. "All done, Marquis."

In fact, Lin Ji was not on duty tonight.

But the head officer was old, and Lin Ji felt it inappropriate to enjoy a family reunion at home while sending an elderly man to stand guard at night.

So Lin Ji decided to take the head officer’s place for the night.

Fortunately, it would be over once the palace banquet concluded.

Looking at Lin Ji in his armor, Chen Yuhu could not help but remind him, "Be careful. I suspect the Emperor is in a foul mood. Let’s avoid knowing things we shouldn’t."

A smile flickered in Lin Ji’s eyes. "Don’t worry, my lady. I’ll return soon."

"We’ll await your return for the reunion dinner."

"Mm!"

Lin Ji left, and Chen Yuhu sat down.

Since Lin Ji returned to the capital and took up his official post, their family was always the first to know about palace developments.

Cheng Shi had returned to the capital.

Chen Yuhu frowned. How long had it been since the Emperor sent her away? How could she return so soon?

For now, it was unclear whether the Empress Dowager or the Emperor had the upper hand.

But with Cheng Shi’s return, the Cheng family would not remain idle.

At the last flower banquet, the Cheng family had suffered a crushing defeat.

She pushed her jumbled thoughts aside, focusing on preparing the family’s lively Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

The Lin family’s dinner was scheduled quite late because they were waiting for Lin Ji to return.

Chen Yuhu had suggested that the elderly lady rest first, but she refused, saying it was rare for the family to reunite.

Indeed, even now, it was not a true reunion.

Chen Yuhu’s mood suddenly soured. Her two sons had gone to Liangxi, where the Donglin Academy was located.

In Chen Yuhu’s words, it was a very important cultural center.

The two had gone for an academic exchange. Judging by the letters they sent back, the trip had been fruitful, and they had gained much insight.

Thus, they could not return for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

The two sons had sent letters and gifts multiple times, expressing their apologies and even calling themselves unfilial.

Lin Ji was not exactly comforted.

But compared to returning for the festival and the children’s future, the latter—the future of the Lin family—was undoubtedly more important.

Chen Yuhu, however, felt it was nothing unusual. Missing the festival was normal. There were plenty of people destined to work hard, and she saw no issue with it.

Her perspective differed somewhat from that of a pure ancient person.

But seeing how Lin Qu had taken leave to return home early for the festival, Chen Yuhu realized she needed to be more mindful in the future.

Otherwise, people would not praise her for being open-minded but criticize her for lacking propriety.

The concept of "propriety" was crucial in ancient times.

It was almost time.

Chen Yuhu hung the two children’s carp-shaped jade pendants at her waist and prepared to depart.

The Lotus Fragrance Pavilion was quite close, so Chen Yuhu decided to walk there.

A servant went to inform Old Mrs. Lin that it was time to leave for the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion.

At that time, Old Mrs. Lin was kneeling in Buddhist prayer, accompanied by Tan Shi, who was also kneeling.

However, while Old Mrs. Lin was reciting scriptures, Tan Shi was reciting texts on women's virtues.

Old Mrs. Lin sorted through Buddhist prayer beads while listening to Tan Shi recite.

She intended to ingrain women’s virtues into Tan Shi’s bones and sand down her defiance, so that in the future, when people spoke of her, they would say she was a virtuous person, albeit somewhat dim-witted...

Upon hearing the servant's report, Old Mrs. Lin replied calmly, "Noted."

As soon as Old Mrs. Lin moved, someone stepped forward to support her. "Let's go! We mustn't keep everyone waiting."

"Yes!"

Tan Shi appeared noticeably more respectful and less timid, as if she had become more self-assured.

Old Mrs. Lin had taught her: as long as you behave properly and leave no room for fault, no one can truly harm you. Even Lin Qu could only endure you—he could not repudiate you.

It was this lesson that Tan Shi had truly internalized.

By the time they arrived at the Lotus Fragrance Pavilion, Chen Yuhu was already there. However, since Old Mrs. Lin had arrived, she rose to her feet.

"Mother!"

Chen Yuhu greeted her cordially, as if she had not been the one who overturned the teacup in the Songhe Hall.

Tan Shi gazed at Chen Yuhu, a curious glint flickering in her eyes.

Wary of Tan Shi’s motives, Chen Yuhu remained inwardly cautious.

To her surprise, Tan Shi bowed in formal greeting to Chen Yuhu, saying, "Elder Sister-in-law."

Chen Yuhu reached out to support Old Mrs. Lin while nodding briskly in response.

Such deference suddenly made her uneasy.

It was only after Old Mrs. Lin had taken her seat that Chen Yuhu returned to hers.

When Lin Qu and Lin Ji arrived together, Chen Yuhu had to rise again. Before the meal had even begun, she felt she’d burned enough energy for half a meal.

Fortunately, she did not need to bow as deeply as she did for Old Mrs. Lin—a slight bow without fully rising sufficed.

Only after Lin Ji paid his respects to Old Mrs. Lin and took his seat could Chen Yuhu finally sit down.

Delicious food and fine wine were plentiful, though the mood was hardly convivial.

But it did not matter—all were adept at feigning.

The beef dish served at the table had been prepared by the kitchen as a mildly spicy soup, following Chen Yuhu's instructions.

Tan Shi couldn't handle spicy food, and the elderly lady was also unable to eat it due to her age.

Knowing their preferences in advance, spicy soup was simply not served at their table and was replaced with another soup.

Chen Yuhu knew this was a small, underhanded trick, but it was enough to amuse herself.

Lin Ji didn't drink alcohol but instead took a sip of his soup and found it quite flavorful.

Chen Yuhu also felt a bit more cheerful because of the small mischief she'd done.